We had our book launch for Jumbo Wants to be a Hippo earlier this month, as part of the 'Writers present...' event for Múscailt, the Spring Arts Festival at NUI Galway.

Lionel and I talked about how the story and our collaboration developed, and Lionel read an excerpt (video to follow!). We also played the wonderful song "Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud", which features in the book, and had tea and cake. It was such a warm, cosy atmosphere, and we were delighted people turned up despite the apocalyptic weather. The third person involved in the making of the book couldn't make the launch - Conor Gallagher, who did the design and layout and colour washes, and without whom Jumbo would still be a pile of paper and an idea.

Thank you to everyone who made this book and the event possible, to everyone who has bought the book, and to the lovely audience! Special thanks to Fionnuala Gallagher, Deirdre Lydon and Rab Fulton.

If you want to purchase a copy, please contact me via the Contact page above. Thank you! The book is also available in various bookshops in Galway, Sligo and Dublin, including Charlie Byrne's in Galway City.

This is the first story in a trilogy, and parts 2 and 3 will be out soon!